自性 (secular surname Han, of Yunyang), Ming-dynasty Chan monk of the Linji Yangqi lineage. Tonsured under Huihai Zhi at Hongzhao Hermitage in Liyang; his awakening was catalyzed in dialogue with Jingchuan Caoan Yihuan, then sealed by Quanshi Zongle (Zongle, 1318-1390) at Tianjie Monastery in Nanjing, making him a dharma heir in the 天界泐 line. Emperor Taizu bestowed on him the honorific title 佛朗禪師 in Hongwu 15 (1382). He served successively as abbot of Puguang (his home temple), Changzhou Yongqing, Fuzhou Shushan (by provincial appointment), and finally — by imperial edict — Tiantong Jingde Monastery in Ningbo, hence his fullest style, 明州天童佛朗湛然自性禪師.
References: DILA Authority A025043 | DILA Authority A000581
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